Luscious Coffee Yogurt Panna Cotta
Indulge in the creamy, velvety delight of our Luscious Coffee Yogurt Panna Cotta, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. This version is crafted with wholesome low-fat yogurt and fat-free half-and-half, making it a guilt-free indulgence suitable for South Beach Diet Phase 2. With a luxurious coffee flavor and a hint of vanilla, this panna cotta is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. Perfect for entertaining guests or as a special treat for yourself, just remember to allow enough chilling time for that signature wobbly texture. Enjoy a spoonful of this sophisticated dessert without compromising your healthy lifestyle!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain low-fat yogurt
1 cup (N/A)
unflavored gelatin
3/4 teaspoon (Sprinkled over liquid)
fat-free half-and-half
1/2 cup (N/A)
sugar substitute
3 tablespoons (N/A)
instant coffee powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Start by lightly coating four 6-ounce custard cups with a non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
2
Line a fine-mesh strainer with paper towels and place it over a large mixing bowl. Spoon the plain low-fat yogurt into the strainer and let it drain for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly for a richer texture.
3
In a small saucepan, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the fat-free half-and-half. Let it rest for 10 minutes until the gelatin softens, then gently heat the mixture over medium-low heat.
4
Whisk constantly as it warms, allowing the gelatin to dissolve completely. Once dissolved, add the sugar substitute, instant coffee powder, and vanilla extract, stirring until the sugar substitute has fully dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat.
5
Transfer the thickened yogurt from the strainer into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm half-and-half mixture over the yogurt, using a rubber spatula to gently fold and combine the two until smooth and well integrated.
6
Evenly distribute the mixture into the prepared custard cups. Cover each custard cup with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the panna cotta to set properly.
7
Once chilled and set, serve your Luscious Coffee Yogurt Panna Cotta cold, garnished with a sprinkle of coffee powder or a few chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luscious Coffee Yogurt Panna Cotta?
It is a creamy, velvety Italian-style dessert made with low-fat yogurt, fat-free half-and-half, and instant coffee.
Is this recipe suitable for the South Beach Diet?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be suitable for Phase 2 of the South Beach Diet.
What type of yogurt should be used?
The recipe calls for plain low-fat yogurt.
How do I prepare the custard cups?
Lightly coat four 6-ounce custard cups with a non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
Why do I need to strain the yogurt?
Straining the yogurt helps to thicken it, resulting in a richer texture for the panna cotta.
How long should the yogurt be strained?
The yogurt should be strained for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
What type of gelatin is required?
You should use 3/4 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin.
What liquid is used to bloom the gelatin?
The gelatin is sprinkled over 1/2 cup of fat-free half-and-half.
How long should the gelatin rest before heating?
Let the gelatin rest in the half-and-half for 10 minutes until it softens.
How should the gelatin mixture be heated?
Heat it gently over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until the gelatin dissolves completely.
What sweetener is used in this dessert?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of sugar substitute.
What kind of coffee is added to the mixture?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder.
Is there any vanilla in the recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added for flavor.
How do I combine the yogurt and the half-and-half?
Pour the warm half-and-half mixture over the thickened yogurt and use a rubber spatula to gently fold them together until smooth.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The mixture should be distributed evenly into four 6-ounce custard cups.
How long does the panna cotta need to refrigerate?
It needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set properly.
How should the custard cups be stored in the fridge?
Cover each custard cup with plastic wrap or a lid before refrigerating.
What is the signature texture of this dessert?
It is known for its signature wobbly and velvety texture.
How is the dessert served?
Serve the panna cotta cold, directly from the refrigerator.
What are some garnish suggestions?
You can garnish it with a sprinkle of coffee powder or a few chocolate shavings for extra elegance.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it utilizes low-fat yogurt and fat-free half-and-half to keep it a guilt-free indulgence.
Can I use a different size cup for serving?
The recipe specifies 6-ounce cups, but you can use similar sizes as long as you divide the mixture evenly.
Does the recipe require a stove?
Yes, a small saucepan and medium-low heat are required to dissolve the gelatin.
Is this dessert difficult to make?
No, the recipe is described as easy to prepare, though it requires sufficient chilling time.
Can I substitute the sugar substitute with real sugar?
The recipe specifically calls for sugar substitute to maintain its status as a South Beach Diet friendly dessert.
What equipment is needed for straining the yogurt?
You will need a fine-mesh strainer and paper towels.
What flavor profile can I expect?
It features a luxurious coffee flavor with a hint of vanilla.
Is this an Italian-inspired dessert?
Yes, panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert; this is a yogurt-based twist on that tradition.
Should the half-and-half be boiling?
No, it should be heated gently over medium-low heat until the gelatin and sugar substitute are dissolved.
Can I prepare this a day in advance?
Yes, refrigerating it overnight is an excellent way to ensure it sets properly.